"At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, 'Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!” (Luke 2:25-32 NLT)
You may have read this story many times and there is much we can learn from Simeon’s welcoming of the long-awaited Messiah into the world. Yet, something new recently caught my eye in this story—something comforting and encouraging. We can learn a deep and inspiring lesson from this man. In this passage of scripture, we see God’s closeness to us as His people.
The Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon that he would not see death before the promised Savior came into the world. In the latter stage of life, Simeon was about to depart earth and enter eternity. He had a long-standing fellowship with God through his prayers in Jerusalem, a spiritual relationship with the living God.
Yet, like all of us, he may have pondered questions: What comes after this earthly life? Who will stand with me in my distress and physical weakness as I grow old? What will happen to me? On whom can I place my hope?
These are questions we often ask, especially when we see loved ones in their final days, frail and unable to carry out their former duties. Simeon’s story provides comfort and guidance. His heart and mind were filled with the Lord, rejoicing in Him.
Simeon's relationship with God was uninterrupted.
Throughout his life, Simeon's relationship with God was uninterrupted, and God remained close to him. Simeon could not turn away or be distracted because he had heard the voice of the Holy Spirit. His hope was rooted in the living God. His personal experience of God speaking into his life gave him hope for the future.
The Lord was Simeon’s support, and God spoke to him. Simeon was deeply aware of the prophecies in the Holy Scriptures. He knew God is love and that God would be with him to the end. He fully grasped God’s plan to save humanity through the coming Savior. Simeon treasured the presence of God with him as he aged.
God honors those who fear Him. Simeon experienced unspeakable joy—a powerful motivation for us today. The Lord is our hope when we fear the future. Simeon trusted in God’s promise and declared: “now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised.” These words radiate calm assurance and comfort, revealing Simeon’s confidence in transitioning to a better world, one of eternal life. He rejoiced in witnessing the fulfillment of God’s promise and salvation.
We too can seek to be at peace with God.
God cares for us. He loves us and stands with us, even in moments of farewell. Simeon serves as a living example of finding peace in God. We too can seek to be at peace with God and feel confident in Him. Yet we cannot speak such words with true meaning unless we believe and devote time to prayer and fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Let us consider what filled Simeon’s heart and mind. His sobering yet reassuring words were grounded in a firm belief in a loving God who does not leave His children without hope and consolation. Simeon’s confidence is clear: "now let your servant die in peace.” Amen.
Originally published by Bethlehem Bible College. Republished with permission.
Dr Gabriel Hanna is the Director of the Hebron Evangelical School in Hebron Palestine which has educated and empowered over 3,000 children, many of whom have gone on to be effective leaders in government, business, and civil affairs. Until April 2024 Dr Gabriel was Deputy Academic Dean and Student Affairs Coordinator for Bethlehem Bible College in Bethlehem, Palestine.
Bethlehem Bible College is a Christian evangelical college, founded in 1979 in Bethlehem, Palestine. It was created to prepare Christian leaders to serve Arab churches and society in the Holy Land. It trains students to model Christ-centeredness, humility and biblical wholeness.
